PAUL Hurst hit out at referee Kevin Johnson as Grimsby Town's promotion dream ended for another season.
Yesterday's 3-1 defeat at Gateshead International Stadium saw the Mariners lose their Conference Premier Play-Off Semi-Final 4-2 on aggregate to the Tynesiders.
But that only tells half the story, as Hurst's side ended the game with nine men following a controversial display from the man in the middle.
Scott Neilson's 55th minute sending off was the flashpoint that angered the Town boss and left his team with a mountain to climb.
The Mariners battled back to level the scores, before a second red card – for Sam Hatton – effectively ended their hopes.
But it was Neilson's dismissal for a 'challenge' on Craig Baxter that incensed the manager.
"I'm disappointed and annoyed to get a decision like that go against us in such a big game," said an angry Hurst after the final whistle.
"Scott has a touch, slightly over-runs it, the lad clears it, dives and the referee gets absolutely conned.
"I could say from where I was that it was never, ever a red card.
"I understand that we all make mistakes but the guys from BT Sport and Justin Edinburgh (Newport manager) sat beside the bench couldn't believe what they were seeing.
"It wasn't even one of those 50-50 things – it was just a ridiculous decision. I certainly think we could have had someone better.
"You can say we looked better with ten men, but there's a long, long way to go when he gets sent-off."
After bowing out at the semi-final stage for the second year running, Hurst was disappointed to see the officials play such a key part in ending Town's promotion quest.
"I can't have any arguments with the second red," he added. "They were two tackles that were worthy of a booking.
"But in the first half Aswad Thomas is brought down by Gateshead's James Curtis with no cover behind him whatsoever and doesn't even get booked.
"There's no consistency yet again. You work all season and I almost think 'what's the point?' That's how it makes you feel."
